The resignation of yet another cabinet minister has put further pressure on Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Gordon Brown to resign.

In his letter of resignation, Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell urges the prime minister to step down as well. He writes: "I now believe your continued leadership makes a Conservative victory more, not less likely. That would be disastrous for our country." So far, the expenses scandal in parliament has led to the resignations of three ministers and two junior ministers.